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M. E
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01083 5210
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2010 with funding from Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center
http://www.archive.org/details/chroniclesofoneh00howe
CHRONICLES
151 21
OF THE
One hundred fifty-first
Regiment Legt.
New York State Volunteer Infantry 1862-1865
CONTRIBUTED
BY ITS
SURVIVING MEMBERS
COMPILED BY
HELENA ADELAIDE HOWELL
054
78 9421 9
1
2011627
Je Ellen Gerbanche whose assistance is appreciated by the Computer
Huchina Mg. Aug. 20, 1911.
3
LA FAYETTE SQUARE BARRACKS. BALTIMORE, MD.
Comfortable quarters of the 151st Regiment. during the Winter of 1862-3.
1911
A. M. EDDY, Printer, ALBION, N. Y.
TO THIE INVINCIBLE ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT, WHICH HAS ADDED TO THE NATION'S HONOR AND TO THE PRESERVATION OF HER IDENTITY.
PREFACE
December 1, 1869, a few of the surviving members of the Regiment met in the city of Lockport and there formed an organ- ization to be known as " The Association of the Surviving Mem- bers of the 151st N. Y. S. Volunteers." Since that time reunions have been held annually in Western New York, the seat of its enrollment.
The organization has grown in interest but diminished in numbers. The fast approaching years are steathily creeping upon the comrades, and in their decline there is a charm of old association which grows dearer with every meeting.
In view of all this, the initiative was taken to embody into a permanent work something of the doings, not only during the war, but in later life, of each and every one who so valiantly fought shoulder to shoulder.
Every surviving member has been solicited to furnish any thing his memory has in store, of whatever his taste may dictate, for the compilation of incidents and experiences which might be of a mutual and interesting character.
The result has been largely, matter of a bright and cheerful nature, more than of carnage and blood-shed, which is ever de- pressing and unwelcome.
The partienlars of battles and skirmishes which have served their purpose, and secured the end sought, are largely omitted, as the development of the twentieth century has brought about more ennobling influences, and the ambition of true manhood is to seek the higher and more progressive principles. Hence we have given the matter as an epitome of the thought of the sur- vivors. This is our apology for bringing out a work designed to renew the old-time comradeship, and make the boys of the sixties feel in rapport with each other, and hand down to them, and the decendents of the original members a local history, which shall inspire all with a reverence for the men who left the comforts of home, the advantages of peace, and the society
8
CHRONICLES
of loved ones, to make it possible that they may today be en- dowed with the citizenship of a country the greatest in history, the most developed in real worth, and the wealthiest in all nat- ural resources.
We greatly appreciate the contributions which have been re- ceived, and the encouragement given. But if the remaining com- rades who did not answer our call could have aided, we should have been well equipped for a work more comprehensive and in- teresting.
We wish to especially acknowledge the helpfulness of John IT. Stevens, and Philip Cooke for the use of their diaries. "Phis terers New York in the War of the Rebellion," and Adjutant- General's Report have been of incalculable service.
We admit the impossibility of arranging the following contri- butions withont error, and request that allowance will be made for the time which has elapsed, and for the varied views of per- sons.
The criticisms will be numerous, but may leniency predomi- nate, and give encouragement to an effort honestly conceived, and truly unselfish on the part of
THE COMMITTEE.
July, 1911. Chairman.
GROUP, INCLUDING COMMITTEE ON 151ST HISTORY.
Lest to Right. Standing :- Wm. H. Gage. Mrs. Wm. H. Gage, John H. Stevens, Mrs. John H. Stevens, Chauncey Weatherwax. Sitting :- Mrs, Chauncey Weatherwax, Watson C. McNall. Mrs. A. Adda Howell, Edwin L. Wage.
CONTENTS.
Service of the 151st Regiment. 29
Chapter I, Response to the President's Call 15
II, The Winter in Baltimore 21
HI1, In the Field 27
IV, Hardships, if not Battles 37
66 V, Rumblings of War 41
VI, Battle of Mine Run 47
66 VII, Winter Camp near Brandy Station 53
06 VIII, Battle of the Wilderness 61
IX, Diary, May 7-30, 1864. 65
X, Battle of Cold Harbor 71
XI, Battle of Monocacy. 81
XII, From Monocacy to Fall of Petersburg 91
66 XIII, Supplementary to Chapter XII 101
Reminiscences . 113
Officers and Register of Field and Staff Organization of Bowen's
Ind Rifles, later Co. A, and its pleasant Reunions. John H.
Stevens 131
Mutiny of Co. B. J. Chas. Gill. 155
Co. B men who were Prisoners. E. E. Russell 157
Officers and Register of Co. B. 159
Co. C in its initial stage. D. W. Griffis
171
Officers and Register of Co. C.
174
Zeal of Towns which furnished Co. D. Edwin L. Wage 187
Officers and Register of Co. 1). 189
E, the German Company of the. Regiment 205
Officers and Register of Co. E. 205
Recruits for Co. F. Philip Cooke 219
Officers and Register of Co. F. 220
Reminiscent Introduction for Co. G. Wm. W. De Wolf 235
Officers and Register of Co. G. 238
Its Officers of Culture, the Pride of Co. H. W. C. McNall .253
12
CHRONICLES
CK-
Officers and Register of Co. HI 255 Second youngest Soldier of the Reg. in Co. 1. Elwin A. Scutt. .269 Officers and Register of C'o. I 271 Co. K' last named but not least in the Regiment. 285 Officers and Register of Co. K 285
Roster of Officers who were assigned to the Reg. during its Service. Furnished by E. E. Russell. 299
Encomium of the Press .302
ILLUSTRATIONS.
The titles given of Portraits are those borne at muster in. For promotions see Register.
Lafayette Square .2
Group, including Committee . .9
Badges and Relics .. .300
Group at Medical Purveyor's
Office 29
Prison Camp, Elmira, N. Y .. 43
Association Reunion at Albion, N. Y. 270
Miles of Troops Resting 91
Accountrements Relics 19
Reunion of Co. A 128
Flag 123
Aldrich Barber. 141
Aldrich D. C. 149
Alpangh J. P.
172
Armbruster Julius 206
Babbitt II. J . 24
Barnes Romaine A 135
Benson Jesse 51
Bingham J. P. 68
Bogardus Charles 132
Bolt F. C. 33
Bowen E. A.
125
Bowen Hezekiah 132
Barnett Dan M
239
Conklin M. M
107
Cooke Philip.
64
Cramer Geo. D) 236
Cronkhite James
259
Darrow Lew E
81
Davis W. HI. 107
Dempsey J. J. 157
Derby Orson P.
188
DeWolf Wm. W
236
Dillon R. M
172
Drake DeWitt W
226
Elmer Elon M 149
Ernst Philip.
206
Foreman Richard
198
Francis S. C
236
Gibbs Isaac
198
Gill Charles
99
Goodman Chas. E
226
Greeley W. M
135
Griffis D. W. 172
Hitchcock S. L 188
Hobbs Harley S
149
Howell H. B
286
13
151st REGIMENT
Jackson A. 1 .. 198
Johnson E. W 107
Kelley John. 236
Stevens John H 51
Stout Wm. T 286
Tanner B. B. 132
Todd F. ().
157
McNall W. C 254
Van Zandt J. II 107
Wage Edwin L 24
Waring A. A 132
Weatherwax C 81
Pratt D. C.
24
Pratt Smith
198
Pratt S. T 141
Russell E. E 99
Russell Ransom 135
Schoen J. C
206
Scutt Elwin A
48
Silk John. 226
St. Clair J. F. T 141
Lake John W 144
Marshall Angevine 141
McDonald J. K 125
Miller Isaac ..
206
Onderdonk D. W. 125
Pennell L. A 149
White H. B 24
Wilcox S. S 33
Wiles B. N. 286
Willard J. E 226
Wilson L. D. 220
Wichterman C
259
SERVICE OF THE 151ST REGIMENT.
It served in the Middle Department, 8th Corps, at and near Baltimore, Md., from October, 1862; in West Virginia, in the 3d Separate Brigade, 8th Corps, from February, 1963; at South Mountain, Md., in June, 1863; in 3d Brigade, 3d Division, 34 Corps, from July 10th, 1863; in the Ist Brigade, 3d Division, 3d Corps, from August, 1863; in the Ist Brigade, 3d Division, 6th Corps, from April, 1864; and it was honorably discharged and mustered ont June 26th, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
During its service the regiment lost by death, killed in action, 5 officers, 75 enlisted men; of wounds received in action, 26 en- listed men ; of disease and other causes, I officer, 99 enlisted men ; total, 6 officers, 200 enlisted men; aggregate, 206; of whom 23 enlisted men died in the hands of the enemy.
CHAPTER I.
Response to the President's Call.
The 151st was recruited amid the devastation and woe which betides a terrible conflict. The troops in the field were greatly depleted. There was no recourse but to reinforce the army.
Jime 28, 1862, at the suggestion of Governor Morgan of New York, the Governors of the loyal States forwarded a commmi- cation to President Lincoln, meloding the following: "We re- spectfully request, if it meets with your entire approval, that von at once call upon the several States for such members of men as may be required to fill up all military organizations now in the field, and to add to the arms heretofore organized sneh additional numbers of men as may, in your judgment, be neces- sary to garrison and hold all of the numerous cities and military positions that have been captured by our armies, and to speedi- ly ernsh the rebellion that still exists in several of the Southern States, thus practically restoring to the civilized world our great and good government." To this the President replied July Ist in part : "I have decided to call into the service an addition- al force of three hundred thousand men. I suggest and recom- mend that the troops should be chiefly of infantry."
In response to the foregoing, August 20, 1862, Colonel Frank- lin Spaulding, succeeded September 3, 1862, by Colonel William Emerson, received anthority to reernit a regiment of Infantry, in the then 29th Senatorial district of New York.
The companies were recruited principally : A .-- Independent Rifles-at Medina; B, at Niagara Falls; C, at Batavia; D, at Albion; ES, at Rochester; F and I, at Lockport; G, in the com- ties of Niagara and Orleans; II, in the county of Niagara; and K, at Somerset, Newfane, Oleott, Buffalo, Eden, North Collins and Lockport. The men reernited for Colonel Franklin Sid- way's Buffalo Regiment were merged into this Regiment, com- pleting its organization.
December 21, 1864, it was consolidated into a battalion of five
16
CHRONICLES
companies, A to E, the men of Company F, being transferred to Companies A, C and E; those of G, to Companies A and B; those of Il to Company E; of I to D; and of K to A and B.
The rendezvous was at Lockport, where the regiment was mis- tered into the service of the United States, October 22, 1862. The following is the Volunteer Enlistment Oath, to which each man pledged himself : After giving name, place of birth, age and occupation, it read: "] do hereby acknowledge to have volun- leered this 22nd day of October, 1862, to serve as a soubien in the Army of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, for the period of THREE YEARS, unless sooner discharged by proper au- thority : Do also agree to accept such bounty, pay, rations, and clothing, as are, or may be, established by law for volunteers. And 1, ----- do solemnly swear, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and that I will serve them honestly and faithfully against all their enemies or oppos- ers whomsoever; and that I will observe and obey the orders of the President of the United States, and the orders of officers ap- pointed over me, according to the Rules and Articles of War."
The patriotism of Western New York was unquestioned, when in less than two months the regimental quota of one thous- and men was enrolled, notwithstanding the fact that before Jan- mary, 1862, New York had one out of six of her able bodied men in the field. The Lockport camp was a tented one, with no luxur. ies in the matter of food or beds. The men were marched to the soup-house for rations, which consisted principally of soup, potatoes, bread and coffee.
The tin cups and plates, the coarse ill-cooked food, and lack of accustomed dainties was a slight foretaste of a soldier's fare; but the serionsness of the condition was more grave to the par- ents of the boys who came to visit them, some even being moved to tears on seeing the contrast to their luxurious home table. The regiment was not a military achievement, it knew nothing of war, drill, or even the necessary discipline which perfeets such organizations, but behind the man was an impulse to be a good soldier who should give his life if necessary, for the maintenance of a great principle. A regular army officer was detailed as in- structor in military tacties. It was with difficulty that some of the men could even get the "left, left, left," at the tap of the
17
151st REGIMENT
drum, and at the command of "right dress," the hesitaney and awkwardness must have appeared at least Indierous to the com- manding officer. October 23d the regiment broke camp at Lock- port, having been ordered to proceed to the seat of war. Many relatives and friends of the boys were there for a final hand- shake, a God-speed, and a mournfnl good-by. The regiment left as cheerful a farewell as possible for the home people, who were the greatest sufferers in the parting. Mothers cilging to their sous, and wives clinging to their husbands, was a touching scene. The spirits of the men kept up, until, with increasing dis- tance, they realized more what the separation meant. Many were despondent, but one jolly musical comrade, Milton Merrill, started " Mary's Little Lamb,"and was joined by others break- ing the spell of sadness. Canadaigua was reached, at 11 p. M., where the acceptable change of leaving the cars was given, and on marching to a large eating house, the men were furnished a substantial lunch of bread, meat and coffee. Such ample provi- sions for the comfort of the soldiers were installed in many places along the line of railroads which transported troops to the seat of war, or brought invalids and wounded men to the hos- pitals. Many organizations of women did as faithful and effi- cient work along those lines as did the volunteers in the field. It has been recognized by the State, the Legislature having passed an act authorizing the Department of New York of the Grand Army of the Republic, to erect a momment on the Capitol grounds at Albany "in honor of the women of said State, for their humane and patriotic acts during the war." And on May 30, 1910 at Atlanta, Ohio, a monument was dedicated to the sol- diers of the Civil War and their "Wives and Mothers." It is bnt just to mention the brave and competent women who remain- ed at home, and not only plied their usnal vocations of house- hold duties, but many entered the fields and assisted, and even worked alone to protect the erops and seeure a competence for a liberal distribution among the needy and old, and also to send to those who had gone to the front.
The mothers were loyal, and many daughters inherited the patriotism of their fathers in declaring they would never marry a "stay-at-home." The clubs and organizations which were in vogue for the purpose of making clothing and useful articles,
2
18
CHRONICLES
also seraping lint and rolling bandages, --- necessities of the sur- geons which would today be done by machinery, took the place of social functions, and made the cause a general one for rich and poor alike. The patriotie songs of the day, which have been handed down as elassies, were freely indulged in, and no enter tainment was complete withont those inspiring songs.
The transportation authorities had not provided cars for the whole regiment and Captain Coleman's company was left in Can- andaigua, the others boarded the cars about midnight. On ar- riving at Elmira, the regiment was formed and marched ont one and a half miles to good barracks to await the arrival of Co. B. " A good warm meal was prepared and served to the men, which they complimented, and were complimented in turn as being one of the most quiet and orderly regiments that had passed through the place." Chira was a large rendezvous for mobilizing troops, and the men received their arms there, except Co. A, it having been recruited as an independent company, cach man had bought his own Sharps Rifle.
After Capt. Coleman's company joined them, freight cars were provided for the transportation of the boys who had al- ways traveled first class! They were disposed to resent the in- dignity, at first, but they accepted the best that Uncle Sam could provide, making themselves as comfortable as possible. The musical comrade again relieved the situation by leading in " We're coming Father AAbraham, " " Brave Boys are They, " etc.
After twenty-seven tedious hours Baltimore was reached, when the regiment marched through rain to a freight shed for the night. Not much time was consumed in getting blankets spread and the men were soon asleep. John H. Stevens was de- tailed as Corporal of the Guard, and he does not forget the dreariness of the night in that dimly lighted shed, while fatigued by travel, with wet garments, and many thoughts of home and a good bed, he paced continually among his more fortunate com- rades, to save himself the disgrace of falling asleep on duty.
.
10
0
7
11
12
13
14
1
ACCOUNTREMENTS RELICS
9. Canteen; 10. Haversack; 11. Sword used through the field service of the regiment; 12. Sharps breech-loading rifle, Individual property of Co. A men; 13. Enfield rifle, used by all Companies, except Co. A; 14. Dress Sword.
CHAPTER II
The Winter in Baltimore.
The morning of the 27th they were marched through the city to Lafayette Square, once a handsome park on the outskirts, which had been fitted for troops by the erection of good bar- racks, to which they were assigned. These were soon improved npon by the men in the way of more comfortable biks and in the sanitary conditions. Each company had its own quarters, also a small cook-room where two men prepared the food, and each man would receive his rations through the window, consist- ing of two baked potatoes, a piece of meat, bread and a cup of coffee for breakfast. For dinner bean soup and bread, and for supper, boiled rice and molasses, bread and coffee. Near the en- trance of the park was a hydrant, where the ablutions of the men took place. There was no finely equipped lavatory, but a plenti- ful supply of city water, and a large trough, with occasionally a handkerchief for a towel. During subsequent experiences the Baltimore comforts seemed to them xurions.
A division under Gen. Emory was being organized for service in the Gulf, and the 151st was asigned to it, in anticipation of its fitness for immediate duty. But when ordered on review a few days after its arrival in Baltimore, it was redienlonsly awkward, and ignorant of manenvers, as many of the men had never used guns. Gen. Emory declared the regiment wholly unfit for ser- vice until schooled, and ordered it into camp for instruction.
Then began the regular order of the day, which was, six A. M., reveille, seven, roll call and breakfast, eight surgeons call, then guard-mounting followed by drilling until dinner. After dinner cleaning streets and drilling until 4 p. M., when personal toilets demanded attention in preparation for dress parade at five o'clock, after which there was freedom from duty.
CK-
22
CHRONICLES
The regiment did guard duty at the hospitals in the city, one company relieving another about once in two weeks. While ou this duty there was freedom from drill and the detail was usual ly accepted as a kind of recreation. It soon attained a good reputation and special orders came for detachments to guard important places in the city. The winter in Baltimore was spent most comfortably and pleasantly. The music and dancing, the games and wrestling, the singing and story telling, and the lit de knowledge of war, were all foreign to the future perils and casualties which were in store for the light-hearted youths, and ambitions older ones.
Occasionally passes were issued which gave the men an op. portnity for sight seeing and incidentally to witness demonstra. tions of the rancorons "secesh" spirit of the city. The Confed- crate colors were sometimes displayed in an indirect way. Some ladies wore the ties on their bonnets in red, white and red, and at times would cross the street to avoid, and show their disdain of the obnoxious Union element. The wives and families of many of the officers and mon spent umch time with them during their stay in Baltimore. The winter was one of benefit in the attainment of proficient drill, and in preparing for the severe service which followed.
The conditions were favorable to make a healthful troop, but as in all aggregations, maladies entered. There was ummps, measles, and even small pox, but the fatalities were light. The first death was of Marion H. Greeley, who passed away on New Years Day. His brother sends particulars: "He contracted measles and owing to improper care, took a severe cold, which terminated in pneumonia from which he died. His remains were taken to Lyndonville, N. Y., and interred in the family plot. He with thousands of our brightest and best young men, contributed their share and more in that unholy war, and it is sad to think that so many of those strong and sturdy young men should die so young in even so just a canse."' The following lines were written in his memory by his company comrade E. P. Demary :
" We miss thee our brother, first of our little band,
Who has yielded his life in the cause of our land,
Who has gone from our ranks to the army above
Whose battles are peace, and whose weapons are love.
23
151st REGIMENT
" Though not on the red field of battle you fell, 'Mid clashing of steel, and bursting of shell, Thou hadst pledged thy dear life in the name of thy God To live for our Country or sleep neath her sod.
" In the full bloom of health, in the spring-time of life, When you left home and friends to join in the strife By the side of thy brother, Oh little thought we That the first one to fall, alas -would be there.
" But when dire disease had lain low thy head. And loving companions had gathered 'round the hed. When we saw the dim eye, and heard the short breath, We thought that thy suffering would soon end in death.
" How clear shone the moon that cahn New Years night When thy spirit went forth with the angels of light To join that blest band in their heavenly home Where war with its terrors, and death never come.
"Oh sweet be thy sleep in thy low, narrow bed And green be the turf above the fair head; May we meet thee above when life's race is rum When our Father shall say, 'Faithful servant, well done.""'
Harlow B. White contributes the following: "I will mention the sergeants' room in Co. D barracks at Baltimore. It was par- titioned off with three bunks. I was invited to room with them. Orderly Charles JI. Mattison and Sanmel Tent ocenpied the low- er bunk, Edwin L. Wage and Daniel Pratt the middle bunk, Dan- iel Tieknor and myself the upper bunk. I will say, all of us were sober men, who attended strictly to our duties, and all became honorable and worthy citizens after the war. On February 18, 1863, we were awakened by the report of a gun, and one of our company, Stephen Elliot, was brought in shot to death. He was on guard duty outside the barracks and was shot by Pat Geary, who was on the beat with him. Geary claimed it was accidental, and at court martial was acquitted of intentional shooting."
Notwithstanding the ease and comfort of camp life, the men naturally became tired of the monotony, and longed for the ac-
24
CHRONICLES
DANIEL E. PRATT Sergeant Co. D.
EDWIN L. WAGE, Sergeant Co. D.
HARLOW B. WHITE Musician Co. D.
HENRY J. BABBITT Musician Co. D.
25
151st REGIMENT
tive service in which they were enlisted, and did not regret leay- ing Lafayette Square in obedience to the following order:
HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE DEPT. STH ARMY. Baltimore, April 25, 1863.
MAJOR GEN. BRIGGS COM.
GENERAL:
You will immediately canse the 151st Reg. N. Y. V. I. of your command to proceed withont delay to Monocacy Bridge, there to remain with the 14th N. J. V. I. prepared for any movement that may be determined upon. They will go in light marching order, taking with them only their overcoats and blankets. Each man must be supplied with sixty rounds of anmition, and will carry two days' rations in his haversack. Lt. Col. Donaldson will furnish the necessary transportation. I am very respectfully Your obedient servant, (Signed) W. H. CHEESBOROUGH, Assistant Adj't .- General.
The following day Gen. Schenck wrote to Gen. Kelley, "T have ordered another full good regiment, 151st N. Y. from here to Monocacy Bridge to await orders."
CHAPTER III
On the March.
On Sunday morning, April 26, leaving the sick, and the camp and garrison equipage in charge of Capt. Hallock, the regiment left Lafayette Square Barracks in light marching order, expect. ing to return. It boarded the ears and reached Frederick June. tion on the Monocaey river, abont four p. M., joining the 14th N. J. as ordered.
The following day both regiments marched to Harpers Ferry. The village is picturesquely built around the base of a hill. Thomas Jefferson pronounced the passage of the Potomac river through the Blue Ridge, "one of the most stupendous scenes in nature, and well worth a voyage across the Atlantic to witness." They did picket duty in that vicinity for several days, "but no Johnnies were in sight." Extract from a letter written by an officer at Clarksburg, May 7th, follows: "Here we are in West Va., nearly 300 miles from Baltimore, with no tents nor change of clothing. We are here on account of a great raid by the rebels, in which they are taking horses and cattle. We came within ten miles of this place on the cars, when we found a bridge burned by the rebs. We unloaded about dark and marched, arriving here about 2 a. M. We rolled ourselves in our blankets, and slept soundly on the ground. About noon my company was ordered to the front to do picket duty. This section is very hilly or monn- tainons. Our regiment is on the northern slope of one, accom- panied by two pieces of artillery. We are a half or a mile to the front. Our reserve is quartered in a log barn of a Union man. My headquarters are on the porch of his house. The house is old, like the most of them here, but comfortable, with grates in the fireplaces, and they burn coal, which they get out of the side of the mountain on the place. We spread our blankets on
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